Motor performing vector control in a start mode

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Washer motors experience noise and vibration issues during start-up due to the 120° current application method, leading to system instability, and inaccuracies in power application with the 180° method, causing motor stoppage or increased noise, especially during washing and rinsing cycles.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a 180° current application method with vector control using a d-q axis rotating coordinate system and a motor controller with a speed/position detector and PWM calculator to accurately control current and voltage, ensuring continuous rotor position assumption and reduced noise/vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the 120° current application method is used during start mode, then the motor can be driven with a general position of the rotor, but it generates overcurrent and produces large noise and vibration due to torque ripple

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor starting capabilityVSAvoidnoise and vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the current application parameters by switching from 120° to 180° conduction mode during start-up. This parameter change eliminates the power non-application region, providing continuous torque and eliminating torque ripple, thereby reducing noise and vibration while maintaining ease of starting operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the 180° current application method is used, then the system operates stably with reduced noise, but the motor may stop or noise increases when rotor position is inaccurately measured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise and stabilityVSAvoidmotor operation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using the 180° current application method specifically during the start-up mode before switching to 120° mode for normal operation. This preliminary application of the more stable control method during start-up ensures accurate rotor position control is established before transitioning to the simpler 120° mode, preventing motor stoppage while maintaining low noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the 120° current application method is used during start mode, then the motor can start with general rotor position, but the system becomes unstable and generates overcurrent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestarting capabilityVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational mode parameter from 120° to 180° current application specifically during start-up. This parameter change provides continuous power application to all phases, eliminating the instability and overcurrent issues associated with the 120° method's power non-application regions, while still allowing the motor to start with general rotor position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables low noise and vibration operation even during start-up, improved power control, and prevention of overcurrent, enhancing user satisfaction by stabilizing the washer's operation during repeated forward and reverse rotations.

Implementation Method 1

a speed/position detector for detecting the current speed and an current position of the rotor using an on/off signal of a hall sensor installed on the stator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

a motor controller performing a vector control method for controlling a current vector applied on a d-q axis rotating coordinate system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a rotor having a plurality of permanent magnets spaced apart from the coils by a predetermined distance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2212991B1Motor performing vector control in a start mode
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2212991B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2212991B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2212991B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A motor, and a method and apparatus for controlling the motor for a washer are provided. The motor includes a stator on which a plurality of coils are wound and disposed in a circular shape, a rotor having a plurality of permanent magnets spaced apart from the coils by a predetermined distance, and a motor controller performing a vector control method for controlling a current vector applied on a d-q axis rotating coordinate system in a start mode of the rotor to make a current speed of the rotor follow a reference speed of the rotor by comparing the current speed with the reference speed. The motor controller includes a speed/position detector for detecting the current speed and a current position of the rotor using an on/off signal of a hall sensor installed on the stator.